I was just thinking about a friend of mine who I haven’t seen in a while, and strangely enough, what came to mind was a complaint from one of her dates.
This was several years ago. She mentioned that her boyfriend complained about her answering her cell phone on nights that they were out together. As a matter of fact, I believe she may have even called me once while her boyfriend was driving them to dinner together.
And I know that I’m personally not comfortable talking to friends who constantly check their cell phones while we’re trying to catch up on things.
The problem with always having your cell phone available is that it prevents you from fully participating in your life. So unless you have some really important reason to have it next to you, I highly recommend that while you’re spending time with your significant other, or while you’re on a date, PUT THE PHONE AWAY.
Stash it in the glove box before you get out of the car.
Turn it off and hide it at the bottom of your purse (if you’re a woman).
Turn it off and put it in your nightstand and go watch a movie in the living room with your hunny.
It’s such a simple thing to do and for some it might seem difficult, but here’s what you need to understand about it. When you suddenly begin answering emails or texts, your mind leaves that particular moment in your life and goes somewhere else. Wherever your thoughts go, unfortunately, have nothing to do with the person who is actually there next to you.
If you are at the very beginning of what could be a serious relationship, that’s THE best time for you to get rid of that cell phone. Your attention should be on the other person, fully engaged and present to the fact that you are trying to see if you’ve got a real connection with that person.
When you check your cell phone for messages or calls, and you begin to text or email, you are sending the message that somewhere out there is something much more important to the person next to you. Somewhere out there is something that deserves your attention more than what is actually tangible and in arm’s reach.
And it can really hurt that person’s feelings.
Be present to what you are doing. Whether you’re grocery shopping, driving, having dinner with someone attractive, you need to be fully aware and engaged in those moments.
And when the time comes and you’ve got a moment to yourself, go ahead and take care of your texts and emails.